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A Balancing Act
Helping Toddlers Find Their Center of Gravity
By Rae Pica, Children's Movement Specialist
Jump!
Little ones love to jump up and down – despite the fact that, between 18 and 24 months, they fall a lot when doing so! Start small, and simply bounce lightly, with only the heels coming off the floor (you might also hold one or both of her hands for this activity). Then graduate to "popcorn popping," or jumping lightly into the air. Another possibility: Place a jump rope or something similar on the floor and jump over it. Your toddler may at first have to turn around when he gets to the other side so he's always jumping in a forward direction, but 
eventually he'll be able to jump both forward and backward over the rope. Jumping also promotes muscular strength and endurance.